The Culture of Reading in Modern Society and the Role Of Fiction in the Moral and Spiritual Development of Youth

Abstrak

This study examines the culture of reading in modern society and the transformative role of artistic literature (fiction) in fostering the moral, intellectual, and spiritual development of the younger generation. The study employs a qualitative descriptive approach using library research and content analysis. Data were obtained from relevant scholarly literature, books, research articles, and academic publications addressing reading culture, literary engagement, youth development, moral education, and the impact of digital technology on reading behavior. The collected literature was analyzed thematically to identify contemporary patterns of reading behavior, socio-technological factors influencing literary engagement, the causes of declining interest in long-form reading among young people, and the pedagogical contribution of fiction to character formation. The findings indicate that the increasing dominance of digital media, short-form content, and algorithm-driven platforms has contributed to changes in young people's reading patterns and may reduce opportunities for sustained textual engagement. At the same time, fiction provides significant educational potential by developing empathy, critical thinking, moral reflection, cultural awareness, and intellectual independence. The study argues that revitalizing reading culture requires coordinated efforts involving families, educational institutions, libraries, digital media, publishers, and government institutions. Integrating literary reading with appropriate digital technologies and active textual analysis can strengthen young people's capacity for critical and ethical engagement in contemporary society.